# NTSB DEN84LQA02: Lighthizer, Richard E. Lighthizer Special, N11RL, Gallup, NM, August 8, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: August 8, 1984, 10:17 local (16:17 UTC)
- Place: Gallup, NM
- Coordinates: 35.519836, -108.729316 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.5198&lon=-108.7293&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16496
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN84LQA02
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16496/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN84LQA02

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - preflight planning/preparation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - object - approach light/navaid
  - aborted takeoff - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb

## Analysis

THE PILOT/BUILDER OF THIS ULTRA-LIGHT HAD FLOWN FROM OSHKOSH, WI TO GALLUP, NM WITHOUT INCIDENT. DURING HIS ATTEMPTED TAKE-OFF FROM GALLUP HE ALLOWED THE ACFT TO VEER OFF THE RWY TO THE LEFT. AFTER THE ACFT ROLLED INTO THE GRASSHE REGAINED DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND CONTINUED THE TAKEOFF. JUST AS THE WHEELS LEFT THE GROUND THE ACFT STRUCK THE VASI LIGHT HOUSING. THE ACFT FLIPPED OVER ON ITS BACK. THE PLT WAS NOT USED TO MAKING TAKEOFFS IN HIGH DENSITY ALT CONDITIONS. ALSO, THE SOD WAS WET FROM RECENT RAINS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N11RL](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N11RL-2005-06-07), registration cancelled 2005-06-07, S/N 2, built 1982 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: LIGHTHIZER, RICHARD E. LIGHTHIZER SPECIAL (LIGHTHIZER)
- Registry model: [Lighthizer Richard E LIGHTHIZER SPECIAL](https://openairdocs.org/model/lighthizer-richard-e-lighthizer-special) (registry code 0564573) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 2
- Airframe hours: 201
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Richard E. Lighthizer
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, May 15, 1984, 29 hours before
- Destination: SDL, SCOTTSDALE, NM

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 67; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 690 total, 650 as pilot in command, 31 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: GUP

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19840808040729A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840808040729A), Aug 8, 1984: Amtr LIGHTHIZERSP, Gallup, NM, Substantial damage. Pilot lost directional control and aircraft wheels hit VASI lights immediately after takeoff.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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